Share this article

Leinster flank out for three months

Leinster loose forward Kevin McLaughlin is facing twelve weeks on the sidelines as he requires surgery on a shoulder injury.

The 30-year-old was forced off with the injury during Leinster’s 21-11 Pro 12 win over Connacht at the RDS earlier this month and head coach Matt O’Connor has confrimed that he now needs an operation.

Better news for Leinster fans is that O’Connor has reported no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s sold-out clash against Ulster as the squad returned to training at Donnybrook on Tuesday.

However Dominic Ryan is still being assessed under the return to play protocols on the back of the injury sustained in the first half of the 28-13 defeat to Munster on Friday.

O’Connor had positive news on the progress of a number of players.

Ben Te’o, who fractured his arm on debut against Edinburgh in November, is available for selection, as is stalwart centre Fergus McFadden

Prop Marty Moore – who hurt his shoulder against Zebre in October – McFadden and Te’o have all taken a full part in training this week while Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien continue to make excellent progress and are still on track for a return in the next few weeks.